Studio previsualisation
Build a space, position models and props, choose camera and lens settings, add strobes or continuous sources and assess light, shadow, depth and reflections through a live virtual camera.
set.a.light 3D V3 review · lighting previsualisation
set.a.light 3D lets photographers and filmmakers design virtual studios and locations, position cameras, lights, modifiers, models and props, then turn the plan into previews, diagrams and storyboards a client or crew can understand.
Simon’s review
“When a client can see the planned light, framing and background before the shoot, the conversation becomes specific. That clarity builds confidence long before anyone steps onto set.”Simon Songhurst · Professional photographer & filmmaker
set.a.light 3D has become valuable in my commercial workflow because it translates a lighting idea into something visual. During pre-production I can explore light direction, softness, falloff, modifiers, talent placement, background tone, camera angle and lens choice rather than describing them abstractly.
The result is useful for both creative approval and practical planning. A client sees the intended mood; an assistant sees positions and distances; the production team has a shot plan; and I arrive with a starting setup rather than spending the first part of the booking experimenting.
It is previsualisation, not a promise of pixel-identical reality. Real fixtures, rooms, surfaces, weather, wardrobe and subjects behave differently. I use the simulation to make better decisions and communicate them—not to remove observation and adjustment on set.
What V3 can plan
Build a space, position models and props, choose camera and lens settings, add strobes or continuous sources and assess light, shadow, depth and reflections through a live virtual camera.
V3 adds animation for cameras, lights, props and characters alongside sunlight, fog and volumetric lighting. Available controls can depend on the chosen edition.
Export lighting diagrams, technical settings, gear information, views and notes. V3 can also organise frames into storyboards and produce MP4 previews or still renders where supported.
Where it earns its place
Turn references and written treatments into specific viewpoints, lighting moods and scene layouts. Revisions can happen before the studio, crew and equipment clock starts.
Set plans can communicate positions, distances, fixtures, modifiers, camera information and notes more clearly than a hurried sketch or equipment list.
Experiment with direction, size, distance, ratios, colour and bounce without needing a free studio. Community setups can offer starting points to inspect and adapt.
A better buying route
The official trial lets you test Basic, Studio and Cinema when the software starts. Build a scene that resembles your real work rather than relying on feature lists alone.
Real-time 3D work is graphics intensive. Check responsiveness, render time and stability on your own Mac or Windows computer before purchasing.
Compare each edition against the lights, room control, film features, rendering, storyboards, animation and branded set-plan output you genuinely need.
Workflow example
Begin with the room or location dimensions, surfaces and background. Place the subject and camera, set the aspect ratio, focal length and exposure assumptions, then introduce one source at a time. This makes it easier to understand what each light contributes.
Create variations for framing, lighting ratio, modifier choice and background treatment. Save approved frames in the timeline or storyboard, add production notes and export a set plan for the team. If the job changes, update the virtual setup before changing the equipment list.
On shoot day, rebuild the plan using measured positions, take a test frame and respond to the real subject and space. Afterward, keep the file with the job so a successful setup can be repeated or adapted rather than reconstructed from memory.
set.a.light 3D questions
Use SIMONSONGHURST at the elixxier checkout for an eligible 15% saving. Confirm the discount in your basket because promotion conditions can change.
It is previsualisation software for planning photography and film scenes in 3D. Users can explore cameras, lenses, lighting, modifiers, rooms, models and props, then create renders, lighting diagrams, plans and storyboards.
V3 expands the platform with capabilities including animation, camera movement, changing lights, character action, sunlight, fog, volumetric lighting, storyboards and MP4 preview export. Feature availability can vary by edition.
Elixxier states that the purchased licence remains valid for lifetime use. One year of updates and upgrades is included; after that, renewal for further updates is optional and the owned version continues to work.
Yes. Elixxier states that the licence is valid on both platforms and can be activated on up to three computers, provided the software is not used on those machines simultaneously.
Current published minimums include 64-bit Windows 10/11 or a 2017-or-newer Mac running macOS 11+, 8GB RAM, 10GB free storage and a compatible GPU with at least 2GB VRAM. Elixxier recommends 16GB RAM and substantially stronger graphics for smoother performance.
Yes. Elixxier provides a free trial that allows users to compare the Basic, Studio and Cinema editions. Testing is especially important because performance depends heavily on the computer’s graphics hardware.
Plan the next production
Use the free trial to choose the right edition, then visit elixxier through Simon’s link and enter SIMONSONGHURST at checkout.
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